National Efforts to Mitigate Biological Threats

1. National Efforts to Mitigate Biological Threats Lao PDR’s presentation Workshop on Biological Threat Reduction June 10-11, 2009 Makati City, Philippines

2. General situation • Area: 238,800 sq km • Located: Southeast ASIA • International airport: • Vientiane • Luang Prabang • Champasack • Border Checkpoints: • Laos-China • Borten-Morhan • Xiangkok Riverport on Mekong river • Laos-Myanmar • Muongmom-Vangpung

3. General situation • Laos – Thai • Houixay – Chiangkhong • Kaenthao – Nakaxeng • Frienship Bridge, Vientiane Capital – Nongkhai • Paksanh – Bungkan • Thakhek – Nakorn Phnom • Savannakhet – Mukdahan • Vangtao - Chongmek • Lao – Vietnam • Sobhoun – Taychang (Phong Sali Province) • Banleui – Nameo • Namkan • Nampao – Keoneua • Dansavan – Laobao • Phoupha – Bo Y (bo-ee)

4. Measurement • Border inspection (Quarantine) • Health Quarantine (SARS) • Agricultural products inspection • Food and drug inspection • Counterfeit medicine inspection

5. Public awareness • Stay healthy. Eat well. Get plenty of rest. • Use common sense to determine if there is immediate danger. • Wash our hands with soap and water frequently. • In a declared biological emergency or developing epidemic, there may be reason to stay away from crowds where others may be infected. • There may be times when you would want to consider wearing a face mask to reduce spreading germs if you yourself are sick, or to avoid coming in contact with contagious germs if others around you are sick.

6. Challeges • Constrain resources: capacity human, budget. • Strengthening Knowledge on Bio Chemical Hazard of public • Collaboration among stake holder

7. Thank you